Chapter 302

The truth hit him like a freight train. His beloved Evelyn had been pushing him away because she already belonged to Nathan Goldmann.

And worse - they already had children together.

He had lost before the game even began. Fate had brought them together too late.

At the underground market's dimly lit alleyway...

A redhead in fishnet stockings clung to a man's arm as they exited the massage parlor. She planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek before sending him off. "Come back soon, sugar. I'll be counting the minutes."

As she turned to reenter the establishment, her gaze landed on an unusual trio approaching - a masked woman flanked by two imposing bodyguards.

The redhead eyed the woman's elaborate mask with amusement. "Sorry, honey. We don't cater to female clients." Her gaze raked over the muscular men. "Though these two studs are more than welcome."

The masked woman tilted her head slightly. One of the bodyguards stepped forward, pressing a thick wad of cash into the redhead's hand. "We're looking for Vivian Vanderbilt."

The woman's fingers trembled as she counted the bills. Fifteen thousand dollars - more than half a year's earnings!

Her demeanor shifted instantly. "Vivian? Oh yes, she's been with us about a month now. Right this way!" The money burned in her palm. In this underworld, cash was king.

Vivian leaned against the doorway, taking a long drag from her cigarette. The skimpy outfit and caked-on makeup were armor against the world. Honor meant nothing when survival was at stake.

"Vivian, you've got visitors!"

The redhead ushered the trio forward. Vivian forced a professional smile despite her exhaustion.

Her bloodshot eyes widened when she saw the masked woman. Female clients were unheard of in this establishment.

"You're Vivian Vanderbilt?" The masked woman's voice was cool as ice.

Vivian stubbed out her cigarette. "That's me."

"Let's talk inside."

The small room smelled of cheap perfume and regret. The masked woman settled onto the stained couch while her guards stood sentinel.

"I hear Evelyn Vanderbilt is your stepsister?"

At the mention of Evelyn, Vivian's hands clenched into fists. "What's it to you? Did that bitch send you?"

A gloved hand rose in placation. "Relax, Ms. Vanderbilt. I despise that woman as much as you do."

Vivian eyed her warily. "Then why are you here?"

A soft chuckle escaped the mask. "Would you like to escape this hellhole?"

Escape. The word sent shivers down Vivian's spine. "You can get me out of here?"

"Tell me everything about Evelyn," the woman purred, "and I'll make all your problems disappear."

Thirty minutes later...

The masked woman slid into the backseat of a black sedan. Removing her disguise, she smirked at her reflection.

Who would have guessed? Evelyn's mother was a de Arma. This changed everything.

She dialed a familiar number. "Grandfather? We need to talk. You'll never believe what I just discovered..."